William R. Kerpsack 1931-2026

He was determined, loyal and responsible. He served his community alongside his identical twin, Dr. Robert William Kerpsack, at the Kerpsack Veterinary Clinic, for 66 years.

“I still have the compassion for the science of veterinary medicine,” Dr. Bill said to WKBN in a 2021 interview. “I like the practice part still. It keeps my brain active and keeps my body active.” Dr. Bill combined a brilliant scientific mind with a tender approach to medicine that created generational loyalty with his clients.

His commitment to the practice wasn’t constrained by his office hours. He’d often leave during dinner or in the middle of the night, to care for a sick or injured animal, if the call came in.

At home, you’d find him and his late wife Francie raising the chicks or geese she hatched in her kindergarten class. He was an invaluable mentor. He shared his passion with those pursuing veterinary medicine and provided many with support and training in his clinic.

William “Bill” was born moments before his twin brother, Robert “Bob,” on Oct. 26, 1931, to Anna and Stephen Kerpsack, in Youngstown. Bill grew up on the West Side of Youngstown in the Slovak community, tasked with milking the family cow each day before school. Coming of age during the Great Depression and World War II, Bill was raised to work hard.

As valedictorian of Chaney High School, he continued his academic excellence at Youngstown College for a year before attending The Ohio State University — first in the College of Arts and Sciences, then at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

He and Bob were disciplined ROTC students over their six years at OSU, and their high grades allowed them to continue their education during a time of active deployment. They were able to pay their tuition by working 40 hours a week at the Big Bear grocery store while at school, and in the open hearth of the steel mill in the summer. They graduated on a sunny day in 1956 and were immediately enlisted as first lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

His military service began with inspecting meat and dairy for the troops in Chicago and conducting research on dairy farms in Indiana. Perhaps Dr. Bill’s most substantial contribution to the Army was as a veterinary pathologist at Fort Detrick in Maryland. He was honored to serve his country both in the biomedical research laboratories and in his duties as an officer.

Upon completing his service in 1960, Dr. Bill returned to Youngstown and started his own veterinary practice from the basement of his childhood home. The successful growth of the practice led to the opening of Kerpsack Veterinary Clinic, built on Meridian Road in front of the brick house where he was raised. Bob joined the practice upon returning from service, and the two became pillars of care in the community.

William Kerpsack and Frances Magnuson were married in 1964 and had two children, William “Billy” and Brigitte.

Between Francie at Hilltop Elementary School and Bill at the clinic, there were few residents of Canfield that were not cared for by the Kerpsacks in some way.

After Francie’s death in 2000, Dr. Bill provided strength to his family and continued the legacy they began together.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bill also served three terms of three years as a trustee, representing District 8 of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and participated in veterinary conferences across the country.

He was a devoted member of St. Michael Parish and president of the Men’s Club for many years.

Later in life, Bill found renewed joy and companionship with Mary Helen Hurton. The two enjoyed dressing up for dance club formals, traveling to Marco Island, and cheering on the Buckeyes. Bill was a serious man with a twinkle in his eye, and if there was Polka playing you’d be sure to find him dancing.

Dr. William Kerpsack is also survived by his son, William Kerpsack II; his daughter, Dr. Brigitte Kerpsack and her husband Dave; and his three grandchildren, Katherine, Jane and Lars. In addition to his twin brother, Robert Kerpsack, he is survived by his sisters, Joan Fergus and Dorothy Meredith; and sisters-in-law, Rita Magnuson Royerre, Nancy Magnuson Morrison and Virginia Infante; as well as many nieces and nephews that were important in his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Francie, and his brothers, Stephen and John.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Lane Funeral Homes, Canfield Chapel. Family and friends are asked to go directly to St. Michael Parish at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

He will be laid to rest in Canfield Village Cemetery.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent by visiting lanefuneralhomes.com.

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